The newest member of the United Kingdom Supreme Court, Lord Sumption, has stressed the importance of keeping the courts separate from political matters. According to Lord Sumption, there have been instances where the courts have ruled on political polices rather than “the application of government policy”.
The new Supreme Court justice highlighted the fundamental principle, that “The Supreme Court is a court of law, not of politics.” As such, Sumption stressed that all cases cannot be treated the same. “[I]f you are complaining about the Government’s decision about what the policy is, then you have to ask: how does the court review that, without trespassing on the… legislature?”
Sumption also spoke of the Supreme Court appointments. Currently, there is only one woman serving as a Supreme Court justice, the remaining justices are male. As such, there have been calls for more diversity and that priority should be given to women.
However, his lordship stressed that appointments should never be gender-based, but always be made on the candidates’ credentials. “It seems to me that the important thing is to get the best and most reflective possible judgments on matters of fundamental legal policy.”
More on the Supreme Court:
Contact Law – The role of the UK Supreme Court
Contact Law – Information on the Supreme Court
Contact Law – FAQs UK Supreme Court
Contact Law – About the Supreme Court
